Conn 22B New York Symphony "Late Model"
Date: 1948: Owned by Christine Derksen.
Over the years the 22B evolved from the 22B New York Symphony "early model" into the 22B Victor (both listed separately). The 22B New York Symphony "late model" evolved from the "early model" in the early to mid 1930's and was produced through 1954. The leadpipe pinky ring was added around 1928, and a main tuning slide brace around 1936. Instruments from approximaely 1930 had bottom spring valves. The adjustable rod at the main tuning slide was dropped after 1946. It has a #1 bore (0.438").
I have come into possession of a 1941 22B New York Symphony, which on paper should be identical to my 1948 22B (pictured here) except for the main tuning slide rod that the 1941 model still has but the 1948 does not. However, the bell on the 1941 22B appears to be heavier than on the 1948. This affects the sound to a degree, although it is a bit difficult to make an accurate judgement on that since my 1948 22B appears to have had some damage to the bell in the past (expertly repaired). One theory for this difference in bell weight is that just after the war there was a shortage of material, including brass. To compensate Conn may have spun the bells just a bit thinner. This would also be a plausible reason why they dropped the main tuning slide rod after 1946.
A weigh-in (by another 22B afficionado than myself) of several 22B's from different years gives the following results:
- 1942 - 2 Lbs. 7.3 oz.
- 1948 - 2 Lbs. 6.5 oz.
- 1953 - 2 Lbs. 5.5 oz.
Models produced during 1953 and 1954 have nickel-silver slide ends. For all intents and purposes it looks as though someone inserted a silver plated slide into lacquered instrument. I suppose you could say these were transitional models to the 22B Victor which started in 1955, except the 22B Victor had lacquered nickel trim in different spots. See separate entry for the 22B New York Symphony 1953 Model.
I have read that when Bud Herseth joined the Chicago Symphony in 1948, he was playing a 22B.
Don't confuse the venerable 22B New York Symphony/Victor with the recent 22B Director. Entirely different class of instrument.
What Conn said in 1937:
Among those who prefer the more conventional style trumpet, this model is popular. Points that have won a host of
friends are its bright tone, its great penetrating power without trace of blatancy, its pianissimo without loss of
genuine trumpet color, its fortissimo without cracking and its easy response. New CLICKLESS valves and restyled in the
modern manner. Small bore, built in Bb and A, springs are in bottom of the valves.
What Conn said in 1950:
Two of the most famous trumpets of all time are the 2B in medium bore and the 22B in medium small bore.
The 22B has a remarkable "singing" tone, brilliant and cutting but always sweet and full. Both in Bb and A.